Mernda’s Buttercross Park will be a rainbow of colours later this month as Whittlesea marks the Diwali Festival of Lights.
The Indian festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness and goodness over evil.
This is the third year of the festival being held in the City of Whittlesea.
Whittlesea Multicultural Association president Sandeep Bhimani expects thousands of people to attend.
“It’s a celebration of the culture, colours and food of India,” he says.
“We expect to take the patrons of the festival on a journey to India without leaving Whittlesea.
“With Indians now accounting for a large part of the skilled migrants calling Melbourne home, we believe this celebration of multiculturalism will go a long way to making our community a better place to live.”
The festival will feature classical Indian and Bollywood dancing, fire acts, belly-dancing, a live band, market stalls, carnival rides and fireworks.
It’s on Saturday, October 15, from 11.30am-9.30pm. Entry is free.
Details: www.whittleseadiwali.org.au
NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Create a miniature garden
Learn how to use recycled hard cover books, succulent cuttings and simple techniques to create a miniature garden during a workshop at Whittlesea Community Garden, Laurel Street, Whittlesea, on Saturday, October 8, 10am-noon. All equipment and materials provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own books.
■ 0407 699 775
Spot that bird
Did you know that South Morang is home to more than 80 bird species? Join the City of Whittlesea’s bushland team and a guide from Birds Australia for a guided tour to spot the birds living in the local area and learn how to attract them to your backyard. It’s on Sunday, October 9, 8.30-11am, with the group leaving from Granite Hills Park, corner Topaz Grove and Skyline Drive, South Morang. Bookings essential.
■ 0428 786 846
Meet the mural, learn its story
Learn about the Lalor Conversations mural that takes pride of place in the Peter Lalor Walkway between May Road and Station Street. Unveiled in 2015 as part of a community crime prevention program, Lalor Conversations features four ceramic tiled panels depicting the development of the suburb. Join designer Bern Emmerichs and Whittlesea council staff to discuss the scenes and stories depicted in the mural on Thursday, October 13, at Lalor library, 2A May Road, 1-3pm. Bookings essential.
■ 9217 2174
Soccer at twilight
Do you work in Hume? Then grab your workmates and form a team to take part in Hume council’s twilight soccer tournament. The social soccer 5s’ mixed competition is on Thursday, October 27, at ABD Stadium, John Ilhan Memorial Reserve, Barry Road, Broadmeadows, from 5.30pm. Matches kick off at 6pm to be followed by dinner and networking. Registration essential by Sunday, October 23.
■ pophealth@hume.vic.gov.au
How to create a summer vegie patch
Visit Tullamarine library, 58 Spring Street, on Saturday, October 8, 10.15am-noon, to learn the tips and tricks to creating a sensational summer vegetable patch.
■ www.hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops
Learn to waste not, want not
Join blogger Erin Rhoads, ‘The Rogue Ginger’, to learn how to rethink, reuse and recycle to achieve zero waste living. She will be at The Age library, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, on Thursday, October 13, from 6.15-7.45pm. BYO jar.
■ www.hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops
Headspace film screening
A short virtual tour of Headspace Craigieburn will screen at United Cinemas, Craigieburn, on Thursday, October 13, 6.30pm, to raise money for the youth mental health service. The film, developed by a Headspace youth advisory group, tells of three fictional young people who come to seek help. It will be followed by a screening of the movie The Secret Life of Pets. Tickets start at $13.
■ www.headspace.org.au/craigieburn
